I want to provide opportunities for young artists to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals, ultimately creating a thriving arts community in the country. I plan to share my story and experiences with others, especially young women who may be facing challenges in pursuing their dreams. By showing them that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. I hope to inspire them to follow their passions and make a positive impact in their communities," Gaothuse told Arts&Culture in an interview this week.
Her message to fellow country men and women is simply to embrace creativity and celebrate diversity of Botswana's culture.
Botswana has always been a country with rich culture and tradition as well as a vibrant arts scene that continues to thrive and evolve. In recent years, the country has seen a rise in young talent emerging in various fields, from music and dance to fashion and visual arts. One such rising star is Anicia Gaothusi, the newly crowned Miss Botswana 2024, who is set to make a significant impact on the country's healthcare scene. Gaothusi is not just a pretty face; she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of beauty pageants.
A student at the Gaborone University College of Law and Professional Studies (GUC), studying CIPS, she has already made a name for herself on the international stage. In 2019, she represented Botswana at the Miss Teen International pageant in India, where she secured the second runner-up position and was crowned Miss Teen International Africa. She also made history as the first title holder from Botswana to win the Multimedia Award, showcasing her talent and creativity in the digital realm. During her journey in the Miss Botswana 2024 competition, Gaothusi learned valuable lessons that have shaped her into the confident and poised young woman she is today. Through various challenges and tasks, she honed her skills in public speaking, leadership, and creativity, all of which will serve her well in her role as an ambassador for Botswana's beauties. Gaothusi draws inspiration from her roots and heritage, using her platform to showcase the beauty and diversity of Botswana's culture. She believes that culture has the power to unite people and bridge cultural divides, and she is committed to promoting local talent and creativity on a global scale. With her passion for healthcare and her drive to make a difference, Gaothusi is poised to be a beacon of hope for Botswana's community. As Miss Botswana 2024, Gaothusi has big plans for her reign. For instance, she aims to sell Botswana to the world through its rich tourism and diamond industries, showcasing the beauty and diversity of her country to a global audience. Additionally, she is committed to promoting cultural diversity by fostering unity among the people of Botswana and encouraging them to learn about each other’s traditions, beliefs, and practices. Through her platform, Gaothusi hopes to inspire others to embrace their heritage and celebrate the unique cultural tapestry that makes Botswana so special.
What can Batswana expect or hope from Gaothusi as Miss Botswana 2024? They can expect a passionate and dedicated advocate for the arts; someone who will champion local talent and creativity on a national and international stage. Gaothusi's vision for Botswana's arts and culture is one of inclusivity and diversity, where artists from all backgrounds and disciplines can come together to create a vibrant and thriving community. Gaothusi plans to use her platform as Miss Botswana 2024 to motivate and inspire people around her, especially young women who may be facing challenges in pursuing their dreams. Through her own journey of perseverance and determination, she hopes to show others that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. By sharing her story and experiences, Gaothusi aims to empower others to follow their passions and make a positive impact in their communities. Her journey to the crown was not an easy one.
Through the rigorous competitions and challenges, she learned valuable lessons that have shaped her into a confident and determined young woman she is today. She credits her grandmother, a retired nurse, as her inspiration for her project on primary healthcare. Growing up, she spent countless hours helping her grandmother at the clinic after school, developing a deep appreciation for the importance of health care in the community. When her grandmother retired, Gaothusi felt a void in her life, a sense of loss that drove her to make a difference in the lives of others through her advocacy for better health care services. In a recent interview with the publication, she shared her thoughts on how she plans to use her title to motivate and uplift those around her. She emphasised the importance of leading by example and using her voice to advocate for positive change in society. By leveraging her platform as Miss Botswana, she hopes to empower young people to pursue their dreams and make a difference in their communities. She also believes that art and culture play a vital role in shaping the identity of a nation, and she is committed to promoting and preserving these aspects of Botswana’s heritage. "My main goal is to promote and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Botswana through the arts.
